High Phosphates!

[mantis147]

Got a bit of a problem!!! My tap water seems to have high levels of phosphates in it, approx 5ppm. At the moment i am getting algae problems in the tank. Do you think it would be better for me to use RO Water instead for my water changes? ive just started doing EI and not too sure where to go from here!

Im getting a strange type of algae growing its very dark green in colour and looks like spiders legs! Its growing all over my vallis. also ive got the usual green hair algae . My plants are growing well but i dont know if i should start again & take all the plants out.

 

[NAL]

Hi

You PO4 is pretty high. I would normally keep it at 2 ppm max. You could mix 50/50 RO/tapwater, and that would give you a more desirable level. Your algae may reflect that fact that the tank is new (is it?) and yet to find balance. If you're doing EI, don't follow it slavishly-obviously you wouldn't need to add potassium phosphate, you should just focus on adding potassium nitrate and may be some potassium sulphate for you N and K. Sounds like a top of with tap water should give you enought PO4. Just keep at it with the EI (don't forget your traces) and keep cranking the CO2 to about 30 ppm.

Nick

 

[zig]

Double check your CO2 levels this is where most algae problems stem from. The spider leg algae may be staghorn algae.

 

[mantis147]

Hi

You PO4 is pretty high. I would normally keep it at 2 ppm max. You could mix 50/50 RO/tapwater, and that would give you a more desirable level. Your algae may reflect that fact that the tank is new (is it?) and yet to find balance. If you're doing EI, don't follow it slavishly-obviously you wouldn't need to add potassium phosphate, you should just focus on adding potassium nitrate and may be some potassium sulphate for you N and K. Sounds like a top of with tap water should give you enought PO4. Just keep at it with the EI (don't forget your traces) and keep cranking the CO2 to about 30 ppm.

Nick

I put a phosphate filter on the tank last night its down to about 4ppm now i will leave it on till it gets to 2ppm. I think you would be right with the 50/50 with RO, this way i could get the PO4 spot on. The tank has been running about 3-4 months. I measured the CO2 it came out at 15ppm which is a bit low! ive got 2 nutrafins at the moment looking to get pressurised. Ive been using Seachem Flourish for the trace.


Lee

Double check your CO2 levels this is where most algae problems stem from. The spider leg algae may be staghorn algae.

The algae does look similar to the staghorn algae but i had a read about it and it should feel slimey but it doesnt. It just feels hair like